Brant

Photo by Mike Gallan

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I came to Ekoji to remember my grandpa who had recently passed away. I met a temple member that day and he told me about the taiko group there, how it was a fun activity to try, and that his daughter was single. [It was Maya and they did get married.]

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?The close bond between the Nennies makes it way more fun than any other activity. After a long week, there is nothing like Rouga to work out the stress.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko.The reason why Nen Daiko’s 20th Anniversary Concert was important to me was because it celebrated the origins of Nen Daiko. We had emcees to honor that perspective too, Beth Fujishige (our founder), and Alan Okada of Soh Daiko (who taught Nen Daiko how to play in the first place). We had both of our sister groups, Soh Daiko and Hoh Daiko, who took time out of their schedule to come down en masse. It was the first time we did our own first stage production too. We played Okedo, which was a new piece. It was a lot of firsts. It was also an realization of one of the core tenets of Buddhist taiko, which is being aware of the causes and conditions that brought you where you are today. Where we are today is because of all the people, influences, and actions throughout our history.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?During transitions, sometimes I play fue. Our group is very open to letting people learn on the fly and early on, I found myself in a role to play fue at gigs. There is always encouragement and opportunity to try new things. We want to do things well, but we don’t expect professional caliber when we get up there. I got through a lot of those early gigs but I was not very good, so I never get more than a polite reception. I’ll remember this one gig though, it was the last gig of the year, and when I finished, I heard a kid say “Wow!” and there was real applause and that meant a lot to me. It’s very motivating, not wanting to let each other down and it was totally satisfying to be able to feel like I was successful for the group. All of us in Nen Daiko strive to be better, together, and it pays off.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am looking forward to being on stage with Nen Daiko for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have worked really hard - extra practices each week on top of all the other obligations. There is a lot of stress we have to manage at work, home and taiko. Having all 13 members fly to San Diego, playing the last act with these incredible professional groups - these are causes and conditions that will never happen again.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?A genuine energy and appreciation for being there.

What is Brant’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

He is Nen Daiko’s spirit animal, the spirit of the songs.

He has an ability to communicate the core emotional idea of our pieces better than anyone.

His exuberance - Like the cartoon character Omnom, he can’t contain his excitement. On stage, he channels that exuberance in a way that fits the song.

I don’t know if I have seen anybody as energetic in his playing and it inspires everyone else to throw their energy out there and go all in. ​

Brenda

Photo by Kris Ikejiri

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?When I was in middle school growing up in Hawaii, my friend took me to a Kenny Endo concert. I said to myself, “This is what I want to do.” I was drawn to the power and strength behind certain pieces and my favorite pieces to play are the power pieces.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?I grew up in Hawaii where I was surrounded by Japanese culture, but it is harder to find in northern Virginia. Playing taiko gives me that connection to Japanese culture. I enjoy being around people who are familiar with and appreciate Japanese culture. I feel we are ambassadors. I also find joy in watching the audience enjoying a performance. Finally, it is a huge stress release pounding the drum.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. Playing taiko at my wedding reception in my wedding dress is my most memorable taiko experience. We arranged for Kenny Endo’s group to perform at my wedding, and to have me play during one of the songs called Oiuchi Daiko. There was one part where you go in front of the drum and make an X pattern. The other two drummers assumed that I could not make that movement in my wedding dress so they modified their movements, but I did it so they did the same thing during the rest of the song. Everybody in the hall went crazy. They were not expecting me to jump on stage and half did not even know I had been learning taiko. We also grabbed my husband Brad and gave him bells to play.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?Something that unifies all the Nennies is our love of food and eating. Food makes everyone happy.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am looking forward to feedback from the wider taiko community. They could be our harshest critics but also our biggest supporters. I appreciate the opportunity to be the best that Nen Daiko can be.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?I hope they see the energy we give to each other when we perform. It is clear we like each other and this translates into a good chemistry on stage.

What is Brenda’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

Her smile and how it shines from the stage! How she expresses joy

Even when all the plans have changed, she is flexible and willing, bringing a can-do attitude.

Her consistency - wherever we put her, we know we can depend on her.

She is the “mom” - she is always looking out for everyone and that comes out when she is playing.

Carla

Photo by Oscar Hernandez

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I saw a tutorial about how to make a gomi-daiko, or a taiko drum from a garbage bin. I make many things from found items, and the tutorial looked fun. However I felt it would be an odd thing to make if I had never played taiko. I found a workshop with Mark H. Taiko. The first time my bachi hit a taiko, I felt a deep sense of joy. I had never played percussion and I loved the fact that there was no limit to how much energy I could put into the sound. I was ready to live a life without limits.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?I feel like I am the best version of myself when I am with Nen Daiko - brave, collaborative, vibrant, at peace. We laugh so much. We work as a team to make something happen that is not related to our careers or families. I also like surprising people. Many people are surprised I play taiko since I am from Atlantic Canada and never saw taiko performed until a few years ago. I like sharing the world of taiko with many new people.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. It was my dream to play the song Rouga, or Wolf Fang, composed by Ryo Shimamoto since the first time I saw Nen Daiko perform. The composer has told us that his intent was to make the audience feel fear when they watch the song. However, I loved the song from the start because it showed a close-knit pack working together. I wanted to play the song and I wanted to be a member of the pack. The first time I played it all the way through, and it held a form in my mind, was such a thrill. Every time since has been even more memorable.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?When I joined Nen Daiko, I was an apprentice with Jeff and Kevin. We evolve as Nennies together. My greatest memories are when we are performing together, encouraging each other. It’s like we have a shared understanding of what it took to get here and how much farther we could go.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am most looking forward to playing Rouga, which will squeeze every ounce of energy from us. I’m looking forward to putting it all out on the stage.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?I hope the audience senses Nen Daiko’s gratitude for the opportunity to perform in Taiko Jam. I hope we get to share the Taiko Jam quilt, which shows the names of the Nen Daiko community - our friends, family and fans - who donated towards a travel fund for us to attend. It shows how this performance is meaningful to a wider circle of people.

What is Carla’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

​She brings positive energy, exuberance, joy.

She brings passion to everything and the same is true for taiko. For those of us who have played a long time, taiko is fun but it may have lost some of its luster. When Carla talks about how she feels when she plays Rouga, it reminds us of how taiko can feel. That passion comes through in her playing.

She is a game-changer who infuses our group with new ideas.

She never gives up, even when she is frustrated. She keeps trying until she does a new skill. Once she does it, there is a sheer ecstatic joy that comes across her face. It’s so satisfying to see.

Dee

Photo by Don Smith

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I was nine years old in Japanese school in Hawaii. Taiko was one of the things they offered. I asked to try it out.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?At this point, I feel like it’s in my blood. I couldn’t imagine not doing it. When I don’t do it, I feel like I lose a part of myself.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko.One of my most memorable performances with Nen Daiko was at the National Theater. It wasn’t just the performance but the experience leading up to it. It was the first time we were performing in such a prestigious venue. We were practicing three times per week. We worked very hard and people who had seen us before said they had never seen us like that. That was the start of us pushing really hard to attain a new level. It built towards our Anniversary Concert and now the North American Taiko Conference. ​What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?We are very much a community group. Everyone contributes. It’s not like one person is the head of the group and everyone follows along. People take turns leading and training. I haven’t seen another group run like that.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?Being able to play with the Nennies again. [Dee is a guest performer with Nen Daiko as she now lives in Hawaii.]

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?How Nen Daiko embodies the spirit of each song. With Rouga, it is a spirit of hunger and Shiawase, the spirit of happiness. We work hard to show the different emotions.

What is Dee’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

She is a reliable cornerstone in any song. I would follow her anywhere.

She is an incredible teacher with infinite patience. She must love teaching because she never seems frustrated with any student if they show they are trying. She takes joy in other people’s joy when their taiko improves.

She is so smooth.

She has been doing taiko for so long and yet does not bring a big ego to her playing. She has such an under-stated demeanor. She is an outstanding teacher and mentor.

She’s like a taiko ninja assassin. She appears to have an easy-going, laid-back demeanor but then she sneaks up to the taiko… and proceeds to slay it.

Emily

Photo by Bruce Guthrie

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I grew up seeing taiko at various festivals in Los Angeles. My first exposure to professional taiko players was seeing Kodo and San Francisco Taiko Dojo in concert at the International Taiko Festival during my freshman year at Cal. Throughout college, I was involved in various Asian American groups, and San Jose Taiko was my favorite community group - lots of women, incredible energy, and they were having so much fun! One of my friends was thinking about auditioning for San Jose Taiko, and since I was staying in the Bay Area for a job, I thought about it too... until I heard that they warmed up with a 5 mile run (or some crazy-sounding number like that). The moment finally came when I moved to Washington DC and I met someone who said they played taiko with Nen Daiko. I said, “I’ve always wanted to play taiko!” and fortunately they were having a workshop. I had a great time at the workshop and then one of the members said, “You’re going to audition, right?” Who knew I could try it out and then actually audition for the group...life with taiko is so much better!

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?There is a phrase called “taiko baka” or “taiko crazy.” That’s a good description of me.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko. There are so many bloopers that other Nennies will willingly tell about, but let’s just say Advil + Tylenol make for a rather slow shime player! For a more serious memory, we were playing at the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Jefferson Memorial and it started snowing. It was the most beautiful moment because the snow and the sakura looked similarly and fleetingly beautiful. Both represent impermanence to me, and as we were playing, everything seemed much softer (imagine snow and sakura silently falling). It felt surreal and beautiful.

I Love Nen Daiko: What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?When we were preparing for our 20th Anniversary Concert in 2014, it took months of preparation, planning, and practice. The process of trying to find alums, pitch the idea to our sister groups to perform with us, and create a meaningful concert to celebrate our 20 years helped me connect to the roots of our group and the causes and consequences that allowed us to exist since 1994. For that concert, we were so honored to have Hoh Daiko and Soh Daiko play with us. The relationship between these three groups is part of what it means to be a Nennie. Oh, and of course, the food...

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am looking forward to us giving it all that we have and performing our best, whatever that means for our group. I hope most of all that we have a blast doing it!

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?I hope the audience sees our connectedness. People say that when we perform, we look like a group that likes each other and I hope that is visible at Taiko Jam.

What is Emily’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

Her versatility - her ability to play many parts within each song, as well as her ability to adapt her face to the piece, whether that is intense or joyful

She is fierce!

She is the center of our group and brings us back to our core, reminding us of what we are here for.

She is like a chameleon - she can really exemplify the atmospherics of a piece. For a Rouga, she can be super intense. For Man’in, she can be really happy and remind us all to be happy. She can adapt to different types of music.

She goes in 5000% every single time. There is never a time in practice or a performance where she is holding anything back. ​

Geoff

Photo by Bruce Guthrie

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I was living in Kuju, Japan as part of the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program. In my town was a taiko group named Tao which has since become quite well-known, travelling the world. I saw them perform and we became friends. I started looking for a taiko group nearby where I could learn, and found an all-women’s group. In rural Japan, when you express interest in something, people do their best to help you find it, so this group included me and taught me how to play.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?For the fun! People talk about all the meaningful reasons to play taiko. To me, those are a bonus. The fun is the main reason - the art is fun, the social environment is fun, even the equipment is fun because it is different from any other hobby.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko.One time I was practicing with my taiko group in Japan. We practiced on a stage in a community center. My friend from Tao came to give us tips. I was playing on an instrument which looks like a big bamboo log. Half way through the song, my bachi shattered and went up into the air. After the performance, my friend said, “That looked really cool.”

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?Usually each spring during cherry blossom season, there is one day where we have 2-3 performances all on one day. It takes a lot preparation to be able to do different shows all on one day. The shows are at awesome venues like Smithsonian museums or the fireworks. We are playing in front of landmarks. And while the performances are great, a lot of the memories are how we spend our time hanging out between the performances, eating food like Shake Shack.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?Being on stage with professional groups - which is not something we ever get to do. How often do you get the chance to say, “I played in a concert with Kodo, On Ensemble and Unit Souzou.” If you were in a rock band locally, and you could play with Aerosmith, wouldn’t you think that was awesome?

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?In every performance, we hide a pineapple somewhere on stage.

What is Geoff’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

He brings a peacefulness & harmoniousness.

He brings an ease to the performance and brings a calming influence to the other Nennies.

He is a connector, glue to hold the group together.

He is so laid back. If you are super stressed, it’s hard to stay super stressed around him. He brings levity to any situation.

With the power of chillax, a calm sweeps over Nen Daiko, and all is right with the world. Ain’t no thing, just sliding into our groove man.

I like his approach not just to taiko, but also to life. Still, he gives his all when he is playing. He’s a reminder that you need to breathe and relax too. ​

Greg

Photo by Sarah Gilbert

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?When I first saw taiko, I was a kid. In high school, I saw Soh Daiko and Hoh Daiko perform, and their energy made it look like a lot of fun to perform. I wanted to play but I didn’t know if it was possible to figure out the logistics since Ekoji did not have a taiko group. When we made Nen Daiko, I was ready to play!

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?At this point, I think taiko is just so ingrained. I don’t even know if I could walk away.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko.A great memory was being able to play on stage with Kenny Endo at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in Maryland as part of the East Meets West concert series in 2005. I played euphonium and taiko. The concert included many widely renowned musicians who Kenny had invited. One was shakuhachi master Masakazu Yoshizawa who played on the soundtrack for Memoirs of a Geisha and with the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. Hitoshi Hamada played vibraphone or marimba.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?There was a gig we used to do on the Tidal Basin by the Jefferson Memorial. One time we were playing Man’in and I broke a bachi playing an okedo solo. The energy of that performance in that moment - everyone seemed so unified. What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am looking forward to playing for my taiko friends. Some of these friends I only get to see at the taiko conference, and some cases, they may never have seen me do an actual performance in person. It will be great to show them, this is how our group plays.What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?Hopefully they will see a variety of different songs and emotions that we are trying to convey in the types of pieces that we play.What is Greg’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

He brings such an incredible energy to the stage.

He comes alive during his solos and gives everything to the crowd.

He brings musical and dance training from both western classical and traditional Japanese, which is such a great combo. He has an impeccable internal tempo.

His musicality and his power - those two things combine into powerful musicality!

He plays anything with skill, artistry and humility.

His musical ability - how he puts things together, how he sees all the parts of the song come together and his ability to play them all at one time. ​

Jeff

Photo by Bruce Hollywood

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I had lived in Japan for many years and I was looking for Japanese cultural events here in northern Virginia. I volunteered at the Obon festival at Ekoji in 2010. When I saw Nen Daiko perform, it looked like so much fun. In Japan, I played a taiko video game called Taiko no Tatsujin and I saw taiko performed at summer festivals, but I had not pursued playing there. I went to Nen Daiko’s 20th anniversary concert in 2014 and at the end, they announced there would be auditions for new members. That was the first time I heard that it might be an option for me to play.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?Taiko has all the components of things I appreciate - musical, Japanese, exercise and teamwork. Taiko has all these elements so it’s an efficient use of time! I had always been a musician playing in rock bands. I need something musical in my life. When you are in a band that clicks, you develop relationships unlike any others.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko.The first performance where I participated as an apprentice, it was very cold outside - only about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It was at the Freedom Walk in Washington DC. At that performance, the apprentices were not playing - we were helping to move equipment. It was an opportunity to wrap our minds around being a part of a performance. It was so cold but I saw how to be part of the group. I saw how the drums were moved and how people interacted and supported each other.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?Before every practice and performance, we meditate. Everyone focuses on why we are here. We are here for each other. While taiko often embodies the values of interdependence, the meditation feels like the purest moment of that.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am looking forward to learning what is possible. What am I made of? I am not very experienced and it is scary to be in the same room with so much talent. At the same time, it is thrilling to be in the same room with these musicians.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?A great time

What is Jeff’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

A natural sense of ji and energy that he brings to the stage

He is our groove.

He is steady and reliable, not thrown off when others make errors.

He is unflappable which is good because so many of us are flappable.

Even if it is something totally new, he is not afraid to just try it out. ​

Kevin

Photo by Bruce Guthrie

​When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I don’t think I decided to play - I was just so young when I saw taiko played at Orange County Buddhist Church. I remember climbing on the drums and odaiko stand when I was about 5 or 6 - my mom was so embarrassed by my behavior. I played as soon as they would let me.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?Taiko is relaxing because it is home. It is an expression of myself where the stresses and whatever else are pushed aside for a while. It takes full body dedication so you can’t think about anything else.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko.When I mentored younger players, I was always impressed by these quiet kids. They were unassuming, not extroverts, but when they played, they dedicated themselves to making the music come alive. I have seen these quiet kids flourish when they play taiko.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?Hawaiian food, most importantly. I also love the interaction between Nennies. It is a different dynamic from other groups I have seen where there is a more senpai-kōhai structure or where there is one main leader. With Nen Daiko, we are all in this together. We pull together everyone’s different experiences to come up with our performance.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am most looking forward to performing for my daughter, Yuko. I travel so much and I’m not around a lot. It means a lot when she takes pride in what I do and says, “That’s my daddy.” I want to share with her my love for music, even if she may not understand why this performance has so much gravity for me. I also hope some people from my taiko group in California, Daion Taiko, might be able to attend.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?The communication and interaction between the Nennies. Even when there are solos, no one plays alone. Others will be playing the gi or kiaing. There will be a genuine togetherness with everyone.

What is Kevin’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

He brings a wealth of taiko experience from other groups and brings new ideas to how we play.

He has the most expressive face that shows total engagement when he’s playing.

His commitment and love for taiko - he commits to taiko and to every piece. He shows this by driving a really far distances to practice and performances. He will do it even if he has been up for 20 hours. Taiko is such a huge part of who he is. He really wants to know how he can contribute to a piece and he brings it.

Whatever the challenge or pain, Kevin taps in deep. He has a strong internal resilience.​

Lisa

Photo by Sarah Gilbert

​When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I had just started at a new secondary school in Japan. I was exploring the campus when I heard taiko coming from the gym. There was a group of seniors playing Buchiawase. I was 12 years old and blown away by the playing of these 17-18 year olds. The sound hit me in the pit of my stomach and I was mesmerized. It had such a visceral impact on me. I'm usually very analytical, but I didn’t make a mental decision to play taiko, it just needed to happen.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?Taiko is a way to be the whole me and not just parts of me. External and internal judgment and expectations can cause you to compartmentalize different parts of yourself. Taiko is a way for me to connect the various and sometimes conflicting parts of me and just be. It’s a grounded, unified, total, complete me.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? I used to play with a group in Texas. At one of our performances, I was inexplicably in the moment while playing the song Buchiawase. I wasn’t doing my usual analyzing, critiquing, or worrying. I was only focused on and aware of each moment as it happened. Taiko is one of the few ways I can experience this, and when it happens, it’s the best feeling in the world.

Hachijo Daiko is a piece where two drummers play on either side of the drum head with the drum between you. Since you can't rely on visual cues as the piece changes tempo, I focused very hard on sensing my taiko partner on the other side of the drum. We practiced so often that we understood how the two rhythms were supposed to fit into each other, but there was usually some hesitation as we listened for each other and we weren't quite in sync. But one morning, something just clicked. It was just us practicing in the warehouse, but we could sense each other's every move. I was 12 years old, and it left a huge impression on how to listen and play together.

Finally, I remember a week long workshop on Sado Island with Kodo. The participants and instructors shared every meal, and spent all day, everyday practicing together. This culminated in a performance which was pure support without hierarchies or judgment. We ranged from 13 year olds like me, all the way to grown-up, professional taiko players. We played and cheered each other through a physically demanding performance of Chichibu Yatai-bayashi. Giving your all to each other creates such an amazing sense of community and support like no other.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?Obon season at Ekoji and Seabrook Buddhist Temples each July really exemplifies being a Nennie. Everyone pitches in, works hard, and has fun creating something together. It shows Nen Daiko's Buddhist taiko origins - one of the ways taiko spread across North America. This time is also about the connections between the three Buddhist temples and their respective taiko groups that are a part of our lineage - Soh Daiko of the New York Buddhist Church, Hoh Daiko of Seabrook Buddhist Temple, and us. At Seabrook, there is a huge community hall and kitchen. The Seabrook community members welcome us with obentos and we all eat together. I love that space so much. It has a nostalgic feel of kids' summer camps in the Japanese countryside.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I am looking forward to the shared experience and camaraderie with a group of such amazing and creative performers. Our backgrounds are so different, but we have a shared bond of being part of the North American taiko community. If the North American taiko community members are immediate family, I suppose the Japanese performers are our extended cousins and uncles from our original hometowns!

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?I hope the audience can feel the bond between us as we play. Nen Daiko members' trust and support for each other is where we get our characteristic energy and smiles.

What is Lisa’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

Her ability to move in an integrated way to create great lines and strike with her whole body

Her grace and elegance - she knows how to have stage presence

Her deep appreciation for excellence and ability to give clear feedback

Measured precision in everything she does, Lisa scales strategically with no wasted effort.

Her technicality and precision - her ability to really push the group to be better in that sense. ​

Lisa

Photo by Heather Mitchell-Buck

​When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I saw Ondekoza perform many years ago and it blew my mind.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?I love my job but it’s very demanding in terms of travel. In the past year, I’ve worked in Switzerland, Haiti, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Canada, and South Africa. My family and taiko ground me to my home and community. Taiko connects me to my Japanese heritage and my extended taiko family (including two cousins and two cousin-in-laws in Nen Daiko). I genuinely love learning and practicing taiko even when I (often) struggle to learn something new; it’s actually never really been about performing for an audience for me at all (no shock to my fellow Nen Daiko members, who know I would rather have a root canal than do a solo).

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? I had the chance to play uchiwa while on stage with San Francisco Taiko Dojo and Dave Brubeck. Also, I once smacked myself in the forehead with an o-daiko bachi while performing at a gala at the National Building Museum in DC.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?Any Nen Daiko potluck. It’s really all about the food.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?I’ve never been to Taiko Jam before! I’m looking forward to seeing the other groups perform.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?Probably my MedicAlert bracelet. I should really get one before I go on that stage.

What is Lisa’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

She brings focus and situational awareness to every performance.

She would never say this, but she is fearless. She gives her all, no matter the situation.

She has crisp technique based on her foundation of intense training.

She uses her sense of humor in a way that makes it safe for everybody to be themselves.

Even when we change a song for the one thousandth time, she can still laugh about it, even if she is freaking out inside. ​

Maya

Photo by Kris Ikejiri

​When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I attended Dharma School at Ekoji Buddhist Temple as I was growing up. When I was in high school, Ekoji decided to start a taiko group. I have a vague recollection of going to Seabrook Buddhist Temple and doing a taiko workshop.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?I like the musicality of taiko. I’ve played different musical instruments in my life (clarinet, piano), but I love that taiko has so many different ways to add to the musical experience - different sizes of drums, flutes, and other percussion instruments. I think it’s also great stress relief (more so than clarinet or piano!). I have a lot of close friendships in our taiko group. There is also the Buddhist application part of taiko; it gives those of us who are Buddhist another avenue to experience the teachings.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? My first thought is when I tore my calf muscle while playing Man’in during the 2016 Obon - the after-effects stuck with me for a good month. I found out after when talking with Tamiko that several women in Soh Daiko (and our own Emily too) had experienced the same injury. It must come with the territory.

One of the coolest memories performance-wise was when we did Rouga at our anniversary concert. We did it right into the intermission. The lighting during the performance was very theatrical - red lights at an angle. The lights cut on the last beat of the song. We were all together. After we finished that, we were like, “That was so awesome.”

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?We stay true to ourselves. We don’t try to be something we are not. When we were doing a solo improv workshop with Kenny Endo, he was trying to help us be better at improvising. One of the tips he shared was to visualize something in your head and play to that vision. He told us to envision the large stone lantern outside in the garden. We each did our solos and Kenny said, “Well, that was very avant-garde.”

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?Being able to have that experience as a group - I have never seen Taiko Jam. I have been to one taiko conference. At that conference, I had to leave early because I could only get so much time off work. I have only heard the stories when the Nennies come back, their awestruck impressions. Based on my understanding of the history of the taiko conference and Taiko Jam in particular, it’s a huge honor for the group.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?The most common feedback that we get from people after our performances is that “you guys look like you are having so much fun.” That’s very representative of being a Nennie because we do have fun. That’s why we are willing to spend so much time together and go over one motion over and over so we can make sure it is in our muscle memory, hitting at the same angle. It’s a fun group experience. The joy we experience and our “not-taking-ourselves-not-too-seriously” comes across in our performance.

What is Maya’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

Steadiness, consistently strong playing

A sense of humor that gives her the ability to take risks

She is silly! You can tell she is enjoying playing, even if she makes a mistake.

She brings a lightness to her play, no matter how bad a day she has had.

​Exuding strength with just posture, gaze and demeanor, with the actions to back it up and get it done.

She can embody whatever song she is playing - to become one with the song and exemplify what the song is about.

Victoria

Photo by Evan Michio

When did you decide you wanted to play taiko?I lived in Japan as a kid and I was always interested in Japanese arts and culture. I studied sumo wrestling and koto, but not taiko. When I was in college at Swarthmore, a girl on my ultimate frisbee team kept missing tournaments for her taiko class. I thought it would be cool to get college credit playing taiko. I had played violin seriously growing up, and that was a mostly intellectual musical experience where you didn’t improvise. In contrast, taiko was a fusion of music and physicality. I am an all-or-nothing person, so it was not long before I was also playing with the taiko club, a nine-hour-per-week commitment. There was a senior doing his thesis project - a two-hour taiko concert. We worked together to make it happen and I experienced a real sense of community. When you are working with a group towards a big goal, it is very meaningful for everyone.

Out of all the things you could do, why do you choose to spend time on taiko?I first started playing with Nen Daiko because I wanted the feeling like playing with my college group. I appreciate that Nen Daiko has a serious commitment to the art form, but we also have the reality of full-time jobs. Over time, I felt my commitment grow. Now the Nennies are my family. There is so much unspoken when we play. I can actually feel our relationships changing when we play - it is how we express ourselves to each other. To perform at this level while working full-time requires sacrifice in other areas of our lives. It inspires me that people are willing to do it. We play not only for the love of taiko but for each other. I feel people’s sacrifices very personally, all so that we can give our energy and art to the world.

Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences playing taiko? When I was apprentice, I was at my final evaluation playing Renshuu after nine months of training. I was so thrilled, excited and hopeful. I was hoping I was good enough. It was a happy relief when all three of us made it. I felt like a new future opened for me.

What memory exemplifies being a Nennie?For our 20th year anniversary concert, we wanted to celebrate all the people who made Nen Daiko possible through the years. We worked hard to incorporate them in the show. We are always mindful of how we got where we are and what makes us who we are as a group.

What are you most looking forward to about Taiko Jam?Preparing for Taiko Jam, we re-envisioned some pieces and revisited their core meaning. We improved the choreography and, in some cases, rearranged the piece itself. That exploration was an exciting part of the process and it is fun to share it with fellow taiko players.

What should the audience look for in Nen Daiko’s performance at Taiko Jam?Look for how each player’s personality is expressed as they play. We are all expressing the same emotion but in our own ways. Each person’s performance forms a cohesive thought.

What is Victoria’s taiko playing superpower according to the other Nennies?

She is deeply observant of what everyone does and picks what works.

She is a precise technical player, diligent about improving.

She gives feedback that makes sense to me.

She is smooth and fun to watch. Her play is very natural.

We benefit from Victoria’s keen sense of observation. It can be difficult to watch others play and identify what could be improved. It takes a certain ability to give broad and nuanced feedback. Victoria observes and communicates in a way that is useful.

Her spirit and her attitude - she is always positive with everyone. It is helpful to see someone so dedicated to it. ​